Johnny Five

Patterson wasn't exactly stellar after he set the shutout record despite all the awards and the Gophers return every defenseman and possibly the top 2 lines in tact. I don't think pre season #1 is that laughable but it's also not a target I'd particularly want.

There is no doubt that Bjugstad was injured during the Omaha series. It was Saturday night and he didn't return for the third and sat out the UW Friday night game. He wasn't the same player and that's not me as a gopher fan making any excuses...he just wasn't. The biggest difference in my eyes between Nelson leaving and Bjugstad is that the Panthers are rock solid as far as young prospects are concerned compared to the Islanders...and Brock has about 10 months on Nick, which can be huge development wise for strength if done properly. Both kids appear to be cut from the same clothe though, definitely enjoy watching them play. Size, instinct, shots...and they play the game with respect.

Yeah UND has no shortage of coaching options to turn to if Coach Eades is the Man for Mankato, that's for sure.

Not to sound rude here....but I'm pretty sure those things crossed his mind before he submitted the paperwork.

That is quite possible. If Guentzel essentially shows a lack of interest I believe the writing MIGHT be on the wall that Lucia will be done sooner as coach rather than later....everyone knows Guentzel wants to run his own program, and secondly that he is a M guy at hear. Anyway...Eades would be a darn fine choice, either of them on paper would be essentially.

It would suck for us...but Mankato calling Guentzel to "gauge interest" and Eades actually putting the paperwork through is a whole different deal.

Are you guys talking Hammy or Cardinal here?

I guess you can say the WCHA was deep this year. Outside of AA, there were no gimmes. Most Gopher games, win or lose, were in doubt until fairly late. There were some good teams but there were no great teams. UMD and UMN for the most part avoided the injury bug and that showed in the final regular season standings.

Speed kills.

Yeah I would say its his job to lose. He would be a great hire for them going into a weakened WCHA in two seasons.

You may want to stop being a college sports fan then, particularly that of UND hockey.

Well let's be honest here...sucks for Montana, but a good thing probably for UND as they get into the Big Sky if you ask me.

Let's do this! Figure it out ADs!

Would be sweet! Excellent post. I'm literally not trying to stir the pot here, but it seems like there's some serious butt hurt going on here. The Gophers would've won that game had it been played at Gambucci. Life goes on guys, holy balls. Without looking it up, it's literally the first time in about 8 years the Gopher's had a better team than UND...think about that. Yes, a lot played into that, but its freaking sports and the better team won. Had the Sioux been full squad, who knows? But they weren't and that's part of sports. It sure seemed like UND fans were happy going to the X before the Regional, so in hindsight the complaints are a little shortsighted IMHO. It's obvious there is a problem with the Regionals. Looks like next year everyone who is lucky enough to qualify for the WCHA will be traveling.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but: Guys like Wheeler and Gregoire...did they become FAs and then basically start negotiating with other teams right away? What I'm getting at is...has there been a guy who was drafted, made it to FA based on the rules, and then played out a season of NCAA before signing a pro contract or do they usually get to FA, and then start negotiating ASAP and give up their NCAA status? Just seems odd to me that a guy would make it to Free Agency and play out a year "in limbo" so to speak.

The game was played between the lines between the players. I don't think the location decided the outcome.

Yes, I am a Gopher fan. I come in peace. I am seriously impressed with UNDs season. With everything that happened, it speaks volumes about the coaching staff and leadership in that locker room. What UND lacked in depth, they made up for with heart, determination and skill. This team could've said, "piss on it" many times this year, and they refused to do so. It quite possibly is the most remarkable coaching job we've seen in awhile. If a "down" year for UND results in a #1 seed and an appearance in the Regional Final, I can't imagine what lies ahead based on the experience some of these kids got this year. Let me also state, the last two games were what this great rivalry should be all about. It seems like regular season games are marred by chippiness, after the whistle crap, idiotic fan bases, etc. The Final Five and yesterday were all about the kids on the ice and some good hockey, and that's the way it's supposed to be. Kudos on a great season. Enjoy the off-season.

Good game so far! Setting up to be a great start to the final 5.

The sad thing is it just goes to show how crappy our Italian selections are in ND for the most part. My favorite within the 3 state region in probably Buca in the cities.

Way over rated except for salad and breadsticks.

I think Fsn has it online but they use a directors cut so it's like 9 images.

Good luck to your squad from this dirty Gopher fan. Enjoy the weekend!

UW can play Stout.

You guys sound butt hurt. Next I'm sure it's Lucia's fault the B10 formed. I don't understand why everyone wastes their time on schedules. What the hell good is it going to do?

I actually think he has a point to some degree with no fighting and tough guys behind the facemask. But not a fan of his timing in leaving UND however.